These photos are SO precious to me. I met Allie when I started my position at Huify, a marketing agency in Wilmington, NC. I never expected the friendship that I found in Allie, and it didn’t take long before we were spending literally all of our time together. Working next to each other all day (we had multiple desk plants we unsuccessfully tried to keep alive) and then meeting Robbie for drinks after work or meeting back up at night to go dance downtown. We were the absolute DREAM TEAM. We got to the point where we could finish each other’s sentences and then not even need to speak because we already knew what we were going to say. We loving called this “same brain.”

As much as I adore Allie, I absolutely love Robbie too! I am thankful that he allowed me to join their relationship and let me crash many dates. I kept reminding him that when he made the decision to make Allie his wife that I MUST be there to capture the moment. No exceptions.

So you can only imagine my excitement when he told me it was actually happening!!! They had just made the tough decision to move back to Minnesota and before they made the big move, I and all of their other Wilmington friends would be able to participate in this HUGE moment in their lives. I could have cried.

He and I worked out the details that I would convince Allie to finally do the couple photos I’d always told her I could do for her, and now would be the perfect time since they would be miles from me soon. It worked perfectly and I was able to strategically help Allie to pick out the perfect outfits to make this happen.

I had also planned with our other co-workers/friends to throw them an engagement party disguised as a going away party so they could celebrate with them too. Of course in true Allie fashion, she created a Facebook invite for a going away party that she was planning for herself…to which I quickly hijacked it and told her she was not allowed to plan her own parties.

On the big day, we met at the south end of Wrightsville Beach. I had asked our other best friend, Kyle, to join to film it (but we told Allie he was there to film me since you know, content). We were beating a huge rain storm so we got right to work getting a few cute warm up couple shots of the two of them. At this point, Allie still had NO idea.

I told Robbie that when I had the shot set up and ready, I would say “OMG you guys, this is the PERFECT SPOT” and I would back up so I could get everything that was happening.

I did exactly this…but the ring was stuck in his pocket!!! So you can imagine me, basically telling Robbie I’m ready and him trying to stealthy get the ring out of this pocket without Allie noticing. Thankfully he was able to and next thing we knew, he was down on one knee asking Allie to be his forever.

Her reaction was PRICELESS as she tried to decide if the moment was even real. I cannot express enough how thankful that Kyle and I were able to be a part of this moment. I LOVE photographing proposals because of the excitement and emotion, but they are even better when it’s some of my absolute favorite people in the world.

Almost right after the moment was over, it started to downpour and unfortunately cut our session short! But that’s okay because the real goal was accomplished!!! Since we had told everyone to be at the party at 8, we grabbed a quick sushi dinner and then headed to New Anthem (one of our favorite brewery’s downtown).

When Allie walked in, she was so excited to show off her new ring!! She was even more surprised when she saw the engagement themed decorations and that everyone already knew!!! Waiting for her, I had a photo frame for everyone to sign, a basket of bridal must-haves, and a cake that said “She said YAAAAAS!” (my favorite part haha).

It was such a good night celebrating two amazing people with all of the Wilmington friends they hold dear. It was the perfect evening, and I am so so so excited for their wedding this fall!!

Walking to the location…here we go!!!!

The big moment!!!

I LOVE this photo!!

WE LOVE YOU, ALLIE AND ROBBIE!